Understanding Risk

Globally Harmonized System is a scientific program that classifies, labels chemicals, describes their hazards and gives safety precautions on the safety data sheets. Safety data sheets are documents that give the composition of chemicals and their mixtures that guides the client on safe usage of the chemical.

Clients can also find in the safety data sheets information regarding the health and environment risks that are likely to occur upon exposure to the chemical. Global Harmonization System has set standards for safety purposes that should be met by chemicals that handle chemicals. The safety data sheets are only produced for substances and mixtures which have been approved by Globally Harmonized System to contain hazardous, toxic and carcinogenic compounds that are beyond the cutoff limit. The nature and the contents of safety data sheets are determined by the chemical and physical properties of the chemical.

To be considered as complete and effective a safety data sheet should contain the necessary first aid measures, the reactivity of the chemical, transportation precautions and best method of disposal of the compound. Safety data sheet should be comprehensive but using simple language that can be easily understood by employees. Safety data sheets play an important role in protecting the environment against pollution. Insurance covers and the workers’ safety are critical factors in a business which can only be effectively taken care of through risk assessment done using the safety data sheets. Provision of safety data sheets helps to minimize losses in a business through fines by the government. Besides being conversant with the safety data sheets, business managers are required to ensures that all chemicals remain in their initial containers and that they are neatly organized as this eliminates chances of accident incidences. Safety data sheets should be easily accessed by the employers whenever they want to without limitations by the employer.

Accidents are quite unavoidable sometimes and under such circumstances, employees should follow emergency procedure outlined by the employer.

A company can distribute their safety data sheets to their clients electronically which are considered viable are then printed for backup. Safety data sheets eliminates occurrence of accidents which directly reduces the expenses by the company of compensating the workers affected by accidents which is an advantage to the company. Safety data sheets are also known to build the confidence of the workers while performing their task as they are aware of what they are working with and how to avoid getting in trouble. It does not matter how small a business is, provided it deals with chemicals safety data sheets are mandatory.